The Sporting Club Ireland Podcast

Mark Brandon
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Sports
  • Semiweekly

The Sporting Club Ireland Podcast brings together the worlds of business and sport. Every Monday, Mark Brandon and Michael Meehan break down the biggest stories, talking points and moments from the week in sport. Every Friday, they sit down with sporting legends, elite athletes, coaches, CEOs, founders and senior business leaders to uncover the mindset, leadership, resilience and defining moments behind success. Expect conversations covering rugby, football, GAA, boxing, horse racing, golf, Formula 1, the NFL, entrepreneurship, culture, high performance and the business of sport

  1. 3d ago

    Jim Flanagan | The Man Behind Jim Flano

    From posting TikToks in his bedroom to announcing at Leinster games, Jim Flanagan has turned his love of sport and making people laugh into a career. But what’s the story behind Jim Flano? Jim joins Mark Brandon for a funny, honest conversation about backing yourself, building a following and finding your own way. From his two-point challenge across all 32 counties to hearing his voice ring around Croke Park, he shares the opportunities, doubts and hard work behind the videos. We get into: • The college lecture that featured his own work while he sat at the back.• Working with Leader Kicking and where his love of sport has taken him.• The reality of making a living through social media.• Handling criticism and putting yourself out there.• His Roscommon loyalties and the support of his family.• His mother’s sacrifices, and why bringing her along means so much.• The message from Sam Prendergast that explains why Jim would go to war for him. A great chat with a young man creating his own opportunities, appreciating the people behind him and having plenty of fun along the way. Follow The Sporting Club Ireland Podcast on Spotify, leave us a rating and share this episode with a friend who loves sport. Every bit of support is massively appreciated. The Sporting Club Ireland - Where Sport and Business Connect. Download The Sporting Club Ireland App:https://apps.apple.com/ie/app/the-sporting-club-ireland/id6788445806 Website: https://thesportingclub.ie YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSportingClubIreland Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesportingclub_ireland LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-sporting-club-ireland/

  2. 6d ago

    Remembering Ciara Mageean | Leinster Lay Down a Marker, United Under Pressure & TJ Reid Bows Out

    We begin this week’s Sporting Club Ireland Podcast by remembering Ciara Mageean, a brilliant athlete whose warmth, courage and personality meant so much to people across Irish sport. Our thoughts are with her family, friends and everyone who loved her. A very sad day, may she rest in peace. Mark Brandon and Michael Meehan then get into a packed weekend of sport. Leinster put 50 points on Connacht in Galway, leaving Mark owning up to a prediction that aged terribly. What made Leinster so good, and where did it unravel for Connacht? We also discuss difficult outings for Munster and Ulster, alongside the Premiership rugby action. In the Premier League, Arsenal make a statement at Anfield, Brighton beat Manchester City, and Michael’s Manchester United offer him very little relief. There’s county final drama as Tiernan Killeen delivers when Loughrea need him most, a look across the club GAA action, and a conversation about the extraordinary career of TJ Reid following his inter-county retirement. Plus the All-Stars, Canelo’s return to world-title success, and our big calls for the rugby internationals ahead. Follow the show, leave us a rating and share this episode with the friend you always end up arguing about sport with. Every bit of support helps us keep it going. The Sporting Club Ireland - Where Sport and Business Connect. Download the app: https://apps.apple.com/ie/app/the-sporting-club-ireland/id6788445806 Website: https://thesportingclub.ie YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSportingClubIreland Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesportingclub_ireland LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-sporting-club-ireland/

  3. Oct 29

    Nickie Quaid | One of Hurling’s Greatest: Limerick Glory, Family, Setbacks & Life Beyond the Game

    Six All-Irelands. Three All-Stars. One of the greatest goalkeepers hurling has ever seen. But the medals only tell part of Nickie Quaid’s story. Nickie joins Mark Brandon on The Sporting Club Ireland Podcast for a conversation about where he comes from, what he’s overcome and the people who have made it all possible. From childhood All-Ireland finals in the back garden in Effin to winning them with Limerick, he takes us through a remarkable journey. He speaks about losing his father Tommy at just nine, and the strength of a mother who raised three boys and made sure they never felt they were missing out. We get into the tough years when he wondered whether an All-Ireland would ever happen, the breakthrough in 2018, that famous flick against Cork and the friendships behind Limerick’s extraordinary success. And if you’ve ever watched Nickie in goal and wondered how he stays so calm, his answer might surprise you. We talk nerves, mistakes, self-belief and his return from a serious cruciate injury - including the faith his teammates and management showed in him when he wasn’t yet sure himself. There’s plenty of laughter too: the homecomings, the celebrations, and coming home from an intercounty match only to be sent straight into another one in the back garden with the kids. Then there’s life beyond hurling. Nickie explains why he stepped away from teaching for a new challenge with Re-turn, and how clubs, schools and businesses can turn everyday bottles and cans into funds for their communities. An honest, warm and revealing chat with a great of the game who never forgets where he came from. Follow the show, leave us a rating and share this episode with the friend you always end up arguing about sport with. Every bit of support helps us keep it going. The Sporting Club Ireland - Where Sport and Business Connect. Download the app: https://apps.apple.com/ie/app/the-sporting-club-ireland/id6788445806 Website: https://thesportingclub.ie YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSportingClubIreland Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesportingclub_ireland LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-sporting-club-ireland/

  4. Oct 27

    SALTHILL’S LAST-GASP GLORY, UNITED IN CRISIS, URC ROUND-UP & SHAUNA’S BIG NIGHT | Weekend Review

    A county final won at the death. More misery at Old Trafford. And a friend of the show bringing home two belts. Mark Brandon and Michael Meehan get stuck into a weekend that had plenty to argue about—and a few performances worth celebrating. Michael takes us inside the Galway football final from the commentary box, where Tomo Culhane came off the bench, scored 1–6 and delivered the goal that won Salthill-Knocknacarra the title. How do you keep your head when a whole season comes down to one chance? In rugby, we unpack Connacht’s eight-try win over Zebre, Leinster’s comeback against Munster and Ulster’s battle with the Bulls, alongside the Premiership roundup and a tough day for Creggs. There’s plenty to discuss in the Premier League too: Bournemouth’s 3–0 win at Old Trafford, Villa beating City and Spurs taking the derby honours against Chelsea. We also check in on the League of Ireland and Troy Parrott. And we celebrate Shauna Browne’s brilliant response to an early knockdown to win two titles, plus Christina Desmond’s European success. Then comes the difficult bit: picking our Sports Star of the Week and making The Big Calls for the next round of URC and Premier League fixtures. Who deserves the award - and whose predictions are going to age badly? Follow the show, leave us a rating and share this episode with the friend you always end up arguing about sport with. Every bit of support helps us keep it going. The Sporting Club Ireland - Where Sport and Business Connect. Download the app: https://apps.apple.com/ie/app/the-sporting-club-ireland/id6788445806 Website: https://thesportingclub.ie YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSportingClubIreland Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesportingclub_ireland LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-sporting-club-ireland/

  5. Oct 22

    The O'Rourke Sisters | World Champions, European Gold & The Road to Olympic Glory

    From a family farm in Roscommon to the very top of world boxing, Aoife and Lisa O'Rourke have an extraordinary story to tell. In this episode of The Sporting Club Ireland Podcast, we sit down with two of Ireland's most accomplished boxers, and two sisters who continue to make history together. Aoife, a two-time Olympian and multiple European champion, and Lisa, a world champion at just 20, join us fresh from their incredible European Championship gold medal successes. We talk about growing up on the family farm, their introduction to boxing, the influence of family and coaches, the sacrifices behind the medals, dealing with injuries and disappointment, and the pressure of competing at the highest level. We also discuss their success in HYROX, life outside the boxing ring, their remarkable bond as sisters and what the future might hold. Two world champions, two European champions, one family. A brilliant conversation with two incredibly grounded and inspiring Irish sportswomen. Follow The Sporting Club Ireland Podcast on Spotify, leave us a rating and share the show with a friend. The Sporting Club Ireland - Where Sport and Business Connect. Download The Sporting Club Ireland App:https://apps.apple.com/ie/app/the-sporting-club-ireland/id6788445806 Website:https://thesportingclub.ie YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@TheSportingClubIreland Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thesportingclub_ireland LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-sporting-club-ireland/ If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, review and share it with someone who loves sport. Every bit of support is genuinely massively appreciated.

  6. Oct 18

    Connacht Stun Saracens, Champions Cup Drama, Premier League Reaction & Dubois Dominates | Weekend Review

    What a weekend of sport! Connacht produce a sensational performance against Saracens, European rugby delivers some incredible drama, the Premier League title race heats up, county championships reach boiling point and Daniel Dubois makes a brutal statement in the heavyweight division. Mark Brandon and former Galway football star Michael Meehan are back for another packed edition of The Sporting Club Ireland Podcast Weekend Review. Champions Cup Drama: Connacht light up the Dexcom Stadium with a thrilling victory over Saracens. We discuss Ciarán Frawley's outstanding form, Cian Prendergast's leadership and why Stuart Lancaster's side could be building something special. Leinster and Munster also start their European campaigns with victories, while Toulouse and Exeter serve up a classic. Rugby Remembers: We reflect on the heartbreaking death of Lions player Hyron Andrews and pay tribute to Munster legend Anthony Foley on the tenth anniversary of his passing. Premier League: Manchester City keep winning, Brighton are flying, Arsenal remain in pursuit and Manchester United's problems continue. We discuss Lisandro Martínez's outspoken criticism, Liverpool's resilience and the mounting pressure on the managers. Club GAA: County finals, dramatic finishes and celebrations across Ireland. From St Brigid's and Cuala to the extraordinary stories of Maynooth and Tommy Larkins, we cover the biggest talking points. Plus, is the AFL becoming an increasingly serious threat to Gaelic football's brightest talents? Dubois v Wardley: Daniel Dubois delivers a devastating performance, but should the fight have been stopped much earlier? The Time Machine: Michael takes us back to Croke Park in 2008, when he scored ten points against Kerry in a memorable All-Ireland quarter-final played in torrential rain. A remarkable personal performance, a heartbreaking defeat and some brilliant behind-the-scenes memories. The Big Call: Leinster v Munster, Connacht v Zebre, the Galway senior football final and a huge weekend of Premier League fixtures. Mark and Michael put their predictions on the line. Sports Star of the Week: Ciaran Frawley gets the nod after another outstanding Connacht performance, with Cian Prendergast, Mona McSharry and Ellen Walsh also in the conversation. Plus, Troy Parrott Watch, international rugby, League of Ireland action and plenty of laughs along the way. Two sports fans. Plenty of opinions. No shortage of big calls. Follow The Sporting Club Ireland Podcast on Spotify, leave us a rating and share the show with a friend. The Sporting Club Ireland - Where Sport and Business Connect. Spotify: Follow The Sporting Club Ireland Podcast so you never miss an episode. Download The Sporting Club Ireland App: https://apps.apple.com/ie/app/the-sporting-club-ireland/id6788445806 Website: https://thesportingclub.ie YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSportingClubIreland Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesportingclub_ireland LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-sporting-club-ireland/ If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, review and share it with someone who loves sport. Every bit of support genuinely is massively appreciated.

  7. Oct 16

    Danny Mullins: The Genius of Willie Mullins, Cheltenham Glory & Never Giving Up

    What happens when you're born into one of the most famous families in horse racing, but still have to prove you belong at the very top? This week on The Sporting Club Ireland Podcast, Mark Brandon sits down with top Irish jockey Danny Mullins for a brilliant, honest and entertaining conversation about racing, family, pressure, failure, resilience and success. The son of Tony and Mags Mullins and nephew of the legendary Willie Mullins, Danny grew up surrounded by racing greatness. But carrying the Mullins name doesn't guarantee success, and his journey has been anything but straightforward. From struggling with the transition to jump racing and losing his first major job to becoming a multiple Cheltenham Festival winner, Danny shares the highs, lows and lessons from a remarkable career. One of the most powerful moments comes when Danny recalls being at a crossroads in his career after losing his first big job, before riding two unforgettable winners for his mother and father at Galway. We also get a fascinating insight into the genius of Willie Mullins, what makes Paul Townend such an exceptional jockey, the physical and mental demands of racing, and why Danny believes failure should never define your future. And, of course, there's plenty of craic along the way! In this episode: Growing up in the legendary Mullins racing dynasty. The Cheltenham Festival victories that changed Danny's career.Losing his first major job, rebuilding his career and proving himself.Two emotional Galway winners for his mother and father.The genius of Willie Mullins and what makes him such an extraordinary trainer.Why Danny believes Paul Townend is the most naturally gifted jockey he's ridden against.The danger, pressure, fitness and relentless schedule of a professional jockey.Building the Danny Mullins brand and creating opportunities beyond racing.What business leaders can learn about resilience, leadership, teamwork and making decisions under pressure. One of Danny's standout messages is simple: "Fail fast." Learn from your mistakes, don't let setbacks destroy your confidence, and always be ready to go again. Whether you're a racing fan, a business owner or simply someone who enjoys a great sporting story, there's plenty to take from this conversation. A fantastic chat with one of Irish racing's great characters. FOLLOW THE SPORTING CLUB IRELAND PODCAST Follow us on Spotify so you never miss an episode. We've got plenty more brilliant sporting personalities, fascinating stories and honest conversations coming your way. Spotify: Follow The Sporting Club Ireland Podcast so you never miss an episode. Download The Sporting Club Ireland App: https://apps.apple.com/ie/app/the-sporting-club-ireland/id6788445806 Website: https://thesportingclub.ie YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSportingClubIreland Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesportingclub_ireland LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-sporting-club-ireland/ If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, review and share it with someone who loves sport. Every bit of support genuinely helps us grow The Sporting Club Ireland Podcast and our wider business community. The Sporting Club Ireland - Where Sport Opens Doors to Business.

  8. Oct 12

    URC DRAMA, PREMIERSHIP MADNESS, PREMIER LEAGUE, CLUB GAA, FAI CUP, BOXING & F1!

    Another cracking weekend of sport and plenty to get stuck into! Mark Brandon and former Galway footballer Michael Meehan are back with another Weekend Review, covering the biggest stories, standout performances and talking points from Ireland and beyond. 🏉 RUGBY: A remarkable game of two halves between Ulster and Munster, Sam Prendergast shines for Leinster, Connacht struggle to contain Glasgow's powerful maul, and the All Blacks put 50 points on Australia. Plus, an extraordinary 119-point thriller between Northampton and Bath! ⚽ PREMIER LEAGUE: Manchester City make a massive statement against Liverpool, Chelsea hit five, Arsenal keep winning, and we look at who's emerging as genuine title contenders. 🏐 CLUB GAA: Eamonn Fitzmaurice's appointment as Galway manager, a remarkable performance from Maigh Cuilinn, the Galway Championship semi-finals and some huge results from around the country. 🏆 FAI CUP: Waterford and Derry City book their places in the final. We discuss the semi-finals and what lies ahead. 🏎️ FORMULA ONE: Verstappen is back winning, but can he mount a serious championship challenge? ⚽ TROY PARROTT WATCH: Our weekly look at how one of Ireland's most talked-about footballers is getting on. ⭐ SPORTS STAR OF THE WEEK: Who stood out from another brilliant weekend of sport? 🔮 THE BIG CALLS: European rugby returns, more Premier League action and some big predictions for the weekend ahead. 🎙️ The Sporting Club Ireland Podcast with Mark Brandon & Michael Meehan 🎧 Spotify: Follow The Sporting Club Ireland Podcast so you never miss an episode. 📱 Download The Sporting Club Ireland App: https://apps.apple.com/ie/app/the-sporting-club-ireland/id6788445806 🌐 Website: https://thesportingclub.ie ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSportingClubIreland 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesportingclub_ireland 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-sporting-club-ireland/ If you enjoyed the episode, please follow, rate, review and share. Every bit of support genuinely helps us grow The Sporting Club Ireland community. The Sporting Club Ireland - Where sport opens doors to business.

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About

The Sporting Club Ireland Podcast brings together the worlds of business and sport. Every Monday, Mark Brandon and Michael Meehan break down the biggest stories, talking points and moments from the week in sport. Every Friday, they sit down with sporting legends, elite athletes, coaches, CEOs, founders and senior business leaders to uncover the mindset, leadership, resilience and defining moments behind success. Expect conversations covering rugby, football, GAA, boxing, horse racing, golf, Formula 1, the NFL, entrepreneurship, culture, high performance and the business of sport

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